In the past, it was fairly easy to expect the trend in an IPL auction. Teams usually used to prefer well-known names, even if they are going through a tough phase. However, in recent years, the tactics have changed. With the introduction of analytics, franchises have become adept at constructing a balanced team. Hence, they have a clear idea of whom they must go after. If a player is underperforming, although he might be a well-established player, franchises may not hire him. That said, the decision also depends on the base price of the player. Hence, to avoid the base price hindering their chances of a contract, a few players tend to settle for a lower base price. This is their tactic to ensure an IPL contract. In this article, we take a look at five players who have strategically under-valued themselves for IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions.
1) Ajinkya Rahane – INR 1 Cr
Rahane‘s base price will be just INR 1 Cr at IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions. It is very little, considering he has led India recently, even though it might be in a different format.
That said, Rahane’s form has not been encouraging at all, off-late. Hence, there is a slight chance that he could be neglected at the auctions. However, INR 1 Cr now seems to be a good amount to invest in Rahane, who can win a game or two on his day. Therefore, this seems to be a good move by the Mumbai player.
2) Manish Pandey – INR 1 Cr
Manish Pandey is one of the players who have strategically under-valued themselves for IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions. Pandey’s IPL form has dropped in recent years. He has also been left out of the playing XI on a few occasions in IPL 2021. The Karnataka batter is also not in contention to get into Team India.
Considering all these factors, Manish might have set himself a lower base price. Considering his experience in the T20 format, Manish could have easily got himself a place in the INR 2 Cr bracket. He is still 32 and there is no issue of long-term as well. Yet, to completely ensure a contract, Pandey could have gone for a lesser base price.
3) Eoin Morgan – INR 1.5 Cr
Eoin Morgan is the captain of the England Cricket Team, arguably the best limited-overs side at the moment. Morgan himself is a top batter and plays in one of the toughest roles in a batting XI – in the middle-order. While others like Steve Smith and Jason Roy are in the INR 2 cr category, Morgan is one step below.
However, that could be a strategic move. His form has not been good and teams would surely ignore him at INR 2 cr. Now, though, Morgan has a realistic chance of getting a contract.
4) Amit Mishra – INR 1.5 Cr
With 166 wickets to his name, Amit Mishra is the highest wicket-taking Indian in the history of the league. However, the wickets column has remained dry in recent seasons and injuries have also not helped the player.
Mishra could be chosen to operate in the XI if the pitches suit spinners. Considering his current form and age, not many would be interested in Mishra as the first-choice spinner. Hence, had he set a higher base price, he could have gone unsold. However, Mishra has dropped himself to the INR 1.5 Cr bracket, possibly giving him a better chance of landing a contract.
5) Kedar Jadhav – INR 1 Cr
Kedar Jadhav is not in great form at the moment. Both in IPL and in domestic cricket, Kedar has not been making enough runs. Hence, teams might not prefer him in the playing XI.
However, Kedar does have a chance as a backup middle-order batsman. That said, teams would not want to overspend on that role. Although being a capped cricketer, Kedar could have set a base price of INR 2 cr, he has instead gone for a starting bid of INR 1 cr.
